MAN CITY NOTEBOOK: Champions League bonuses no comfort after Real pain, the £300million Etihad expansion project begins... and England's next Gen to visit sister club Girona

Manchester City's defence of their Champions League title came to an end after a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid on Wednesday night.

Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic missed from the spot at the Ethiad as Real Madrid triumphed in the quarter-final stage of the competition.

Kevin de Bruyne's second half equaliser had forced extra time and penalties on the night after Rodrygo had given the Spanish giants the lead.

Mail Sport's JACK GAUGHAN was at the Etihad and reports that Man City players are poised for lucrative Champions League bonuses despite the defeat.

The first phase of a £300m stadium project to expand the Etihad has also begun.

Bonuses no comfort after Real pain

It will come as no consolation to Manchester City’s players after the penalty shootout defeat by Real Madrid but they are a couple of victories away from guaranteeing qualification again next season.

That would be for a 14th consecutive year and the huge financial benefits of participating in Europe’s premier competition is a crucial aspect of business plans to the Premier League’s top six in their constant quest to improve.

It is why Pep Guardiola always says that a top-four finish is the first trophy of a season and City’s constant competing in that arena has seen them steal a financial march on others around them – particularly when they reach the later rounds of the knockout stage.

Those gains are passed down to the players, who are heavily incentivised to make sure City are in the pot once Giorgio Marchetti conducts the group stage draw.

Mail Sport understands that Guardiola’s squad can expect to earn up to seven-figure bonuses once they secure a top-four spot.

Negotiated separately in individual contracts, the cash is on a sliding scale. Earnings for the less experienced stars are thought to start at around £200,000, with the bigger hitters likely to surpass £1million. Some clauses are also based on appearances and minutes played.

England’s next Gen visit Girona

The next generation of England coaches are out at City’s sister club, Girona, this weekend – and the travelling party includes a Manchester United midfielder.

Tom Huddlestone, a player-coach at United’s Under 21s, is part of the Football Association’s international player to coach programme.

The 37-year-old, who earned four caps for England, is in the system alongside Jack Wilshere, Leighton Baines, ex-City striker Darius Vassell and Ricky Lambert.

They will take in Girona’s La Liga home game against Cadiz on Saturday, while having site visits to the training ground – situated right next door to the best golf course in Catalonia.

CFG’s Head of Coaching Methodology, Mark Leyland, is thought to be leading the trip and the expectation is that Girona offers different angles for young coaches to explore. The FA’s relationship with City saw them look at CFG’s Belgian side Lommel last season.

The likes of Ashley Cole and Wayne Rooney have previously enrolled on the FA’s bespoke international player course.

Savio a go?

Staying with Girona, City’s sporting director Txiki Begiristain has continued to make checks on their progress in recent weeks.

While their unlikely title charge has faltered, falling back to third behind leaders Real Madrid and Barcelona, the progress of winger Savio has remained a standout story of their season.

The 20-year-old, who made his debut for Brazil against Spain last month, has 10 goals and seven assists during his loan from Troyes and is set to sign for City this summer.

Savio is expected to go on City’s tour of the United States in July when first-team staff can take a closer look at him but Begiristain’s presence at Girona games will offer them additional insight even before he is wearing the training kit.

North Stand expansion begins

The Etihad’s expansion at the north end of the stadium has taken a step forward with the initial steel framework in place as City look to complete the new look during the 2025-26 season.

Capacity is set to be increased to over 60,000 following the £300million project, which is incorporating largely fan areas and a 400-bed hotel. As is the norm with modern stadium renovations, there will be a stadium roof walk, while City are also building a sky bar.

The first phase is now underway, with managing director of operations Danny Wilson saying: ‘It’s been an exciting few months with the arrival and installation of the first steels and fantastic to see the development and progress of the build in recent weeks.

‘This project has been designed with our fans at its heart and demonstrates our commitment to create one of the most memorable fan experiences in world sport.’

Pep’s night out

A nice moment recently when Guardiola attended a fundraiser for The Christie, the renowned cancer hospital in the south of the city.

The City boss was joined by sporting director Txiki Begiristain, club legend Mike Summerbee and Wilson alongside other top brass.

The evening was a show of support for the hospital. A radiologist at the Christie, Jon Bell, is the son of Summerbee’s former team mate, and one of the club’s finest ever midfielders, Colin.